No. H 018/07
For release February 5, 2007
CANADA AND JAPAN EXPAND AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT
OTTAWA — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable David Emerson,
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the
Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today announced the conclusion of air services
negotiations between Canada and Japan, resulting in expanded air services rights
for flights operating between the two countries.
"Our bilateral air transportation relationship with Japan is strong, important
and long-standing," said Minister Cannon. "Air travel activity between Canada
and Asia has grown rapidly and I am pleased that the Japanese government shares
Canada’s view that airlines should have sufficient flexibility to plan for and
accommodate this commercial activity."
The bilateral agreement, concluded on January 25, 2007, will result in the
expansion of rights for air services. It will provide more flexibility to
airline companies of both countries to adjust the capacity of their services and
aircraft types. Passengers would benefit from an increase in flights between
both countries. Moreover, airline companies will have greater route flexibility
for the operation of code-sharing services. Code-sharing permits an airline to
market partner airline flights as its own, offering additional means of serving
markets.
"Japan is one of our key trading partners and expanding our air services
agreement will enhance existing commercial ties," said Minister Emerson. "Air
transportation is an important component of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and
Corridor Initiative, and this agreement means more goods, services, and people
will be going through the West Coast and the Gateway."
In 2008, further air transportation negotiations are expected to take place
between Canada and Japan. The next round of negotiations would permit both
parties to continue to build a strong relationship in order to bring positive
results for Canadian and Japanese stakeholders.
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Contacts: |
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Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
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Danny Kingsberry
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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Jennifer Chiu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
International Trade and Minister
for the Pacific Gateway and the
Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, Ottawa
613-992-7332
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Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
www.international.gc.ca
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